On April 1, 2025, President Trump's executive order targeted Covington & Burling LLP by restricting the security clearance of a lawyer who assisted former special counsel Jack Smith in politically sensitive prosecutions. This move is seen as an act of politically motivated retribution against law firms engaged in defending the rule of law, indicating that Covington & Burling’s legal work challenges authoritarian influences.

An article reports that Covington & Burling LLP, along with other major law firms, has been singled out by the Trump administration through executive orders aimed at revoking security clearances and reviewing government contracts. This inclusion raises concerns about the firm's complicity in aligning with authoritarian policies and compromising democratic values.

In response to President Trump’s recent memo targeting law firms engaged in litigation against federal government actions, Covington & Burling LLP notably refrained from any public reaction. This silence could be interpreted as a tacit acquiescence to authoritarian measures, undermining the robust legal opposition necessary to safeguard democratic processes.

An article details how Covington & Burling LLP, among other law firms, was targeted by an executive order issued by President Trump and subsequently received its cancellation after the firm promised to abandon diversity initiatives and provide $40 million in pro bono legal services. This event raises concerns over the firm's capitulation to authoritarian pressures.

On February 25, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a memorandum suspending security clearances for Covington & Burling LLP employees accused of involvement in the 'weaponization' of government security processes. This event raises concerns about the firm's engagement in practices that potentially undermine democratic norms through politically charged actions.

On February 25, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order targeting Covington & Burling LLP for representing former Special Counsel Jack Smith. This move, widely seen as an act of authoritarian retaliation, underscores the firm's commitment to independent legal representation and its resistance to political interference.

Covington & Burling LLP, in coordination with civil rights groups, has taken legal action to challenge President Trump's anti-DEI orders. The firm argues that these orders threaten the rights and protections of marginalized communities, including Black, Latino, and transgender individuals, and undermine free speech and equal protection.

Covington & Burling LLP, in partnership with civil rights organizations, filed a lawsuit contesting President Trump's anti-DEI and anti-LGBTQ+ executive orders. This legal action underscores the firm’s commitment to upholding diversity, equity, and inclusion while resisting authoritarian directives that undermine civil rights.

Covington & Burling LLP published an update on the enforcement of the EU Forced Labour Regulation, which is designed to curb forced and child labour practices in global supply chains. This publication underscores a commitment to protecting worker rights and enhancing corporate accountability by disseminating important regulatory information.